Hilary Demske gives beautiful performances of Martin's music for piano.

This selection of piano music by Henry Martin composed between 1980 and 2007 has a place within both the composer's broader work and the literature for piano to which it makes a valuable contribution. Over the years, Martin has composed for chorus, orchestra, string quartet, various smaller ensembles, and solo instruments; but many of his works involve the piano, and about a score of them are for solo piano. All facets of Martin's life (pianist, music theorist, educator) come through in this music that is so beautifully performed by the noted pianist Hilary Demske. The listener to these pieces can look forward to rewards for the heart as well as the mind.

Review:

"Hilary Demske has an impressive grasp of the varied textures and temperaments of Martin's music, whether it's idiosyncratic jazzy nuances, lucid contrapuntal logic, or the sonata's restless surge. A composer couldn't ask for more committed or convincing performances." (Fanfare)

"The music Hilary Demske has chosen for her CD is demanding. It takes a pianist of rare technical finesse and musicality to make it work--and Demske...is just such a performer. She obviously relates to Martin's music. ...She captures the intricacies and rhythmic variety of the scores wonderfully. Her playing is also very lyrical and effusively expressive." (Deseret News)

"...this is enjoyable, knowing, and impressive piano..." (American Record Guide)